Search Results

On an airplane trip, learners have an opportunity to investigate the properties of air pressure at different altitudes.

In this quick and easy activity and/or demonstration, learners use two empty 2-liter bottles and hot tap water to illustrate the effect of heat on pressure.

In this design challenge activity, learners build a machine out of cardboard that runs smoothly and dependably. Learners must be precise to make sure their component works properly.

Learners build a can that automatically returns after being rolled away. The can has a rubber band inside that stores energy as the can rolls one direction.

In this ocean engineering activity, learners explore buoyancy and water displacement. Then, learners design models of deep sea divers that are neutrally buoyant.

In this invention challenge activity, learners see how many objects they can grab with a homemade "bionic" arm.

In this activity, learners use simple items to construct a device for indicating air pressure changes.

In this activity, learners engineer a flying glider using paper hoops and a drinking straw.

In this physics activity, challenge learners to make and race a balloon-powered car. Learners construct the body out of a paper cup, wheels out of wooden spools. and fuel tank out of a balloon.

In this activity, challenge learners to make a pencil stand on its tip using only two pieces of wire and two clothespins. Use this activity to demonstrate the center of gravity.

In this kinesthetic activity, learners will play a game with a ball to demonstrate the Coriolis force, which partly explains why hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere rotate counterclockwise.

In this activity, learners explore the engineering behind seismographs and how technology has improved accurate recording of earthquakes.

Learners explore magnetism and motion as they build a simple marble run. Learners test different arrangements of plastic and cardboard tubes, bottles, and cups on a magnetic board.

In this activity, learners explore how engineers have developed big wheels or Ferris wheels.

This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Garbology Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into design optimization using recycled materials.

This is a quick, yet dramatic activity/demonstration that introduces learners to the concept of energy transfer. A small ball is placed on top of a large ball and both are dropped together.

In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.

In this engineering activity, learners examine bicycle mechanics and gear ratios. Learners determine which gears will help them bike a set course in the shortest amount of time.

In this activity, learners build a figure that moves and "comes to life" when they pull its string.

Build your own version of the classic physics toy using simple materials.